New Zealand Student Visa Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Get a complete breakdown of the New Zealand student visa process, from receiving your Offer of Place to submitting financial documents, medical reports, and completing your visa application through Immigration New Zealand.
Visa Type: Fee-Paying Student Visa (INZ 1012)
This is the primary visa type for international students enrolling in a full-time course (Level 4 or higher) in New Zealand.
✅ Valid for the duration of your course
✅ Allows part-time work and full-time during holidays
✅ Eligible for post-study work visa after graduation
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a student visa, you must:
- Hold a valid Offer of Place from an NZQA-approved institution
- Show proof of sufficient funds for tuition + living
- Have a clean medical and police record
- Submit a valid passport and clear visa intent
- Prove you’re a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
✅ Countrywide Visas helps you compile and review all required evidence
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Apply to university and receive Offer of Place |
| Step 2 | Pay tuition deposit or provide financial guarantee |
| Step 3 | Gather all documents (funds, medical, police, SOP) |
| Step 4 | Apply online via Immigration NZ portal |
| Step 5 | Attend biometric appointment (VAC) if required |
| Step 6 | Receive visa approval & travel to New Zealand |
✅ Countrywide Visas provides end-to-end application filing support
Financial Requirements & Proof of Funds
| Requirement | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | As per university invoice (often NZ$20,000+) |
| Living Expenses | NZ$20,000 per year (approx ₹10–11 lakhs) |
| Travel | NZ$2,000 or proof of return flight |
✅ Acceptable funds: Education loan, fixed deposits, savings, GICs
✅ Funds should be in the sponsor’s account for at least 6 months
Medical & Police Clearance
- Medical Exam: Must be completed by an NZ Panel Physician
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Required for applicants aged 17+
- Upload eMedical certificate and PCC to your online visa profile
✅ Medical clearance valid for 3 years unless flagged
Documents Required for Visa Filing
| Document | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Mandatory |
| Offer of Place | From NZQA-approved provider |
| Fee Receipt or Loan Approval | If tuition is prepaid |
| Financial Documents | As per funds explained above |
| SOP/GTE Letter | Clear intent to study, return, and use education |
| Medical & PCC | Required |
| Academic Documents | All mark sheets, certificates |
| Resume & LORs | Preferred for PG applicants |
GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) Letter
The GTE is a written statement outlining:
- Why you chose New Zealand
- Relevance of the course to your background
- Future career plan after study
- Assurance of return or legal transition (e.g., post-study work visa)
✅ Countrywide Visas helps you write a compelling, visa-appropriate GTE
Visa Fees & Processing Time
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | NZ$375 (approx ₹19,000) |
| VAC Service Fee | ₹1,100 – ₹1,500 |
- Average Processing Time: 4–8 weeks
- Apply at least 2–3 months before intake
✅ Applications during high season (Dec–Feb) may take longer
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
❌ Weak GTE / SOP
❌ Insufficient or unverifiable funds
❌ Mismatched academic profile
❌ Incomplete documentation
❌ Previous visa refusals (other countries)
✅ With expert support from Countrywide Visas, rejection risk can be significantly minimized
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